Ralph Lewis Whitcomb III

A Quiet Force Behind the Headlines in Old Town Alexandria
Ralph Lewis "Bud" Whitcomb III, an independent distributor for The Washington Post whose quiet commitment and strong character shaped a remarkable 38-year career, passed away on July 27, 2025, at his home in Mt. Holly, Virginia, on the Northern Neck. He was 64.

Though Bud didn't write the headlines, he helped deliver them — not just to homes, but to the heart of a community. Over nearly four decades, Bud ran a trusted distribution company that served Old Town Alexandria and surrounding areas. He began in The Post's street sales division, managing retail relationships with stores like 7-Eleven, Giant, Safeway, and countless local businesses. When the pandemic brought street sales to a halt, Bud transitioned to home delivery — ultimately taking over the Old Town route and leading it with precision and pride.

A multi-year recipient of The Washington Post's Distributor of the Month and Distributor of the Year, Bud built and led a team of more than 20 employees, earning a reputation for professionalism, fairness, and exacting standards. He believed in doing the job right — and in doing right by people. Whether handling a missed paper personally or mentoring a struggling employee, Bud was deeply human in his leadership. "I'm just a paperboy," he liked to say, with a grin. But to those who knew him, he was much more: a mentor, a helper, and a man you could count on.
Born in White Plains, New York, Bud moved to California at age two and spent his youth between the beach and the mountains. He loved to ski at Big Bear, often telling stories about his years as a broke but happy "ski bum," scraping by and soaking up life. He called those early years some of the best of his life.

Bud eventually made his way to the Washington, DC area, where he met Robin at the docks in Georgetown. They married on April 16, 1994, and spent 31 years together — many of them on the water. Boating became a constant in their relationship, from early days in Occoquan to their shared home where Bud personally built the dock and remodeled the kitchen by hand.

Bud loved motorcycles, boating, skiing, and building things. He could construct just about anything — and took joy in doing it well. He rode the Blue Ridge Mountains often and attended Bike Week in Florida. He was a handyman, a perfectionist in the best way, and a student of craft. Bud wasn't loud about his talents; he simply knew how to do things, and did them with care.

He is survived by his wife, Robin Whitcomb; daughter Morgan Whitcomb and her husband Jake Williams of Vancouver, Canada; son Ryan Whitcomb of Ocean City, Maryland; sisters Dawn Plomteaux of Missouri and Kimberly Whitcomb of Colorado; and niece Barbara Whitcomb. He was preceded in death by his brother Jon Whitcomb, his mother Barbara Anne Whitcomb, his father Ralph Lewis Whitcomb Jr., who also went by "Bud" and stepmother Dottie Whitcomb. To his family, he was affectionately known as "Buddy."

Bud's values extended beyond his work. He believed in second chances — not for everyone, but for those who showed up, tried hard, and wanted better. "He'd give you the shirt off his back," one friend said, "if you proved you were trying." As one former employee wrote in a condolence letter, "I worked for Bud for several years. I found him to be a sincere and dedicated man. I am so sorry he has passed. I know you will miss him dearly."

Bud didn't need recognition — though he earned plenty of it. He believed in doing things right, living fully, and helping others along the way. Whether on the water, on the road, or on deadline, Bud made his presence known not by volume, but by steadiness.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 222, Montross, Virginia 22520. Please note "Montross Station" in the memo area of your check.
He considered the river his happy place. Those who knew him know — it wasn't just the water that made it so. It was Bud.